Chiropractic
Chiropractic's basic concepts are what drives me to do all the different things I do to help you get rid of your pain and hopefully help you in working to improve your health. Chiropractic Adjustments are for the purpose of reducing the effects of the subluxation complex in the spine and throughout the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Regular Chiropractic care can restore and then help maintain natural movement in the joints of the spine (as well as other joints in the body) and this is vitally important in order to assure that the nerve "messages" are interpreted correctly both to and from the brain as well as to prevent further degeneration of an unhealthy joint. Nerves are the connection that allows the brain to run almost every single function in your body and almost every function, including autonomic (automatic) functions, in your body can be effected by a nerve that is not operating correctly due to interference of some type.
Interference can be because of a dysfunctional joint (usually between 2 vertebrae but could be a shoulder, hip, knee, foot or hand joint) or it could be in muscle/fascia. Often posture and time create problems that go unnoticed until the tipping point is reached where pain takes over your thoughts. It usually takes time to correct these problems and it takes your commitment not just to get in here for several treatments but also to do the home exercise and stretching portion of the care plan.
When a subluxation occurs in the spine, a chiropractor can help correct the range of motion of bones / joints and allow them to return to a state of healthier movement. This procedure is appropriately called an adjustment, some people prefer the word manipulation... whatever. The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. There are many different ways of adjusting these joints and it ranges from very, very gentle to just a bit sharper. The chiropractic adjustment is important to restore the correct flow of information from your brain to your body and from your body back to your brain. To keep the information flowing, several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to physical rehabilitation like stretching exercises and/or strengthening exercises. In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is just as important as the initial remedy.
There are actually five components that contribute to the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC). I've written on them as well as provided some x-ray examples. Just click on the link below to read more.
The 5 Components of the Vertebral Subluxation & The 3 Phases of Care to Correct them.
I recognize that different patients can need a little different type of care for several reasons. In addition to regularly using several different Chiropractic techniques. Generally speaking you can expect me to use a combination of the Diversified Technique (a "hands on" adjustment, you usually hear a "pop" sound with this type adjustment) and the Thompson Technique (utilizes the "drop" table and does not rotate the spine, it is very gentle), in addition I sometimes use the Activator Technique (the activator is a handheld instrument that gives a very gentle adjustment).
I have also been trained, tested, and certified in Acupuncture by Dr Richard Yinnie DC LAc and in Biomedical Dry Needle Acupuncture for Pain Management ( Dry Needling ) by Dr Yun-Tao Ma PhD. I am very fortunate to have been trained by Dr. Ma personally and will forever be grateful for his teaching and his mentorship.
In addition to Acupunctures amazing effects on the soft tissues of the body I was also trained by one of the foremost authorities on Soft Tissue Work. Dr. Jeff Rockwell DC trained me for almost 3 years in every aspect of "Active" and "Passive" Myofascial Release Techniques during my time at Parker Chiropractic University.
All that allows me (and you) to select the treatment that will benefit you the most.
Finally I utilize "in office" and "at home" exercise rehab programs and foam roll therapy (utilizing balls) to stretch and strengthen areas prone to chronic subluxation.
There are three "phases" of care for a Chiropractic patient. 1 is the acute pain phase when you really hurt and it is enough to drive you to seek help. 2 is the rehabilitation phase when the really bad pain is over and you have to make a decision to do a physical rehabilitation program to prevent the problem from reoccurring (please realize that most problems we see do reoccur if a patient doesn't do corrective/rehabilitative care) Finally, 3 is the supportive phase where most of the burden is shifted to you for ongoing exercise programs designed to prevent the reoccurrence of your injury as well as preventing other future problems.
I am happy to consult with you if you have more questions about Chiropractic, Subluxation and the Chiropractic Adjustment and I offer discounts when you need more frequent adjustments.
Get in here today!
Sincerely,
Charles Dixon DC